Violence in Cabo Delgado began in 2017, led by armed groups known locally as al-Shabaab, unrelated to the Somali Islamist militia of the same name. The conflict has become a complex crisis compounded by the effects of repeated cyclones, floods and droughts that have devastated livelihoods.
For the first time since hostilities began, All 17 districts of Cabo Delgado have been directly affected and more than 1.3 million people have been displaced. – many times.
“Families are reaching their limit,” said Xavier Creach, UNHCR director in Mozambique, noting that some of those who once sheltered the displaced are now fleeing themselves.
Civilians continue to be targeted amid reports of killings, kidnappings and sexual violence, while children are at risk of forced recruitment.
Women and girls are most at risk
Women and girls are especially vulnerable when collecting water or firewood, and people with disabilities or older people are often unable to flee violence. Many are traumatized and urgently need psychosocial support, Créach added.
Violence has escalated dramatically this year, with more than 500 incidents recorded through August (even surpassing 2022 peaks), including raids, kidnappings, and destruction of homes and infrastructure.
UNHCR says the new wave of displacement in Mozambique is one of the largest recorded in the last eight years.
Health system under siege
The humanitarian consequences have been compounded by the collapse of health services across the north.
According to the response led by the World Health Organization, around 60 percent of facilities in the most affected districts are not functional due to insecurity, looting and displacement of staff.
Essential services such as maternity care, HIV treatment and emergency response have been severely affected.
In Mocímboa da Praia, the only hospital is operating with less than 10 percent of its staff – mostly volunteers fighting to keep the emergency room and maternity ward open.
Aid groups warn that disease risks are increasing and cases of malaria and cholera are expected to increase as the rainy season begins.
Serious funding gap
The health sector’s annual response plan is only 11 percent funded this year, leaving stocks of essential medicines at critically low levels.
UNHCR also faces serious funding shortfalls. It has received only $66 million of the $352 million needed for its operations in Mozambique this year.leaving response capacity “on the limit as needs increase.”